Could a bidet improve your older adult’s personal hygiene and comfort? Many Bidets explains how a bidet can make a difference, especially for seniors with mobility limitations or serious illness.
One of the most common issues older adults face is the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). These infections can be uncomfortable and may lead to serious complications.
Some caregivers turn to bidets as a potential solution to improve hygiene, reduce the risk of UTIs, and enhance quality of life.
They’re especially helpful if your loved one has mobility challenges or difficulty getting clean.
By promoting better hygiene, reducing bacterial spread, and offering a more comfortable and dignified bathroom experience, a properly maintained bidet can be an invaluable asset in your caregiving routine.
But how can a bidet really make a difference? Let’s break down the science and look at practical tips for enhancing wellness.
Understanding urinary tract infections in seniors
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria like E. coli enter the urinary system.
As they age, both men and women have an increased chance of UTIs. In fact, one study found that more than a third of diagnosed infections in nursing home patients were UTIs.
UTIs can affect the urethra, bladder, and kidneys, and symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe illness.
Diagnosing UTIs in older adults can be challenging. They don’t always present with typical symptoms like fever or painful urination. Instead, they may show nonspecific signs like confusion or malaise.
In addition, seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease may have trouble communicating their symptoms.
Women face an even higher risk: more than 10% of women over 65 and nearly 30% of women over 85 say they had at least one UTI in the last year.
And recurring infections are common, especially in older adults with diabetes, nervous system conditions, or suppressed immune systems.
How bidets can affect urinary health
Many caregivers wonder if using a bidet can increase the risk of UTIs.
Since people who experience UTIs are more likely to turn to bidets for relief, it might look like bidet use drives infections.
However, a major study suggests that the cause and effect are actually reversed – people who get frequent UTIs use bidets more often than those who don’t, but bidets aren’t the cause of the infections.
There’s no conclusive evidence to suggest that bidets cause UTIs – in fact, they may offer relief from recurrent infections.
“When you wipe with toilet paper, you’re spreading or smearing harmful bacteria that can cause UTIs,” explains Daniel Johnson, Many Bidets founder and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist. “On the other hand, with a bidet, the water that comes in contact with your skin is designed to wash away that bad bacteria.”
This means that using a bidet after a bowel movement is less likely to introduce harmful bacteria into the urethra compared to wiping with toilet paper.
And since bidets wash away fecal matter and bacteria that could travel to the urinary tract, they can actually reduce the risk of UTIs by improving overall hygiene.
This is especially beneficial for people with incontinence or limited mobility or those who have difficulty cleaning themselves.
Using a bidet provides a more thorough and hygienic cleanse, reducing infection risk and improving quality of life.
In fact, many of Johnson’s customers say they had fewer UTIs after switching to a bidet, with caregivers noting improvements in their loved ones’ health and comfort.
5 tips for using a bidet to prevent UTIs
To maximize the benefits of a bidet and minimize the risk of UTIs, here are 5 practical tips for caregivers.
1. Opt for an electric bidet
Unlike non-electric models, electric bidets let you adjust the settings to your loved one’s specific needs.
They also have self-cleaning nozzles, and many have built-in sterilization features, making them the most hygienic option for individuals prone to infections.
Some even have remotes that can operate the bidet from outside the bathroom to maintain privacy and dignity.
2. Keep the bidet clean
Regular maintenance is key to ensuring a hygienic experience.
Even if the bidet has a self-cleaning nozzle, it’s still important to do a deeper clean every so often with a gentle cleanser and a soft brush or rag.
Regularly wipe down the seat, lid, and remote control to reduce germ spread.
Many electric bidet seats have a quick release button that enables you to easily remove the entire seat for thorough cleaning.
3. Consider adding a bidet water filter
Filters keep the bidet’s wash water free of minerals and impurities.
They also safeguard the bidet from hard water buildup, protecting it from damage and extending its lifespan.
Filters should be replaced every six months.
4. Tailor the nozzle position, water pressure, and temperature
To ensure safety, make sure the nozzle is positioned correctly and not aimed at sensitive areas like the urethra or vagina.
Start out with the lowest water pressure and temperature settings and increase only as much as needed to avoid irritating older adults’ sensitive thinner skin.
5. Have a plan for drying off
Leaving skin wet creates an environment where bacteria can thrive and may lead to irritation or infection.
Electric bidets with warm air dryers ensure a thorough dry without having to twist or reach to wipe away moisture.
If your bidet doesn’t have an air dryer, be sure to help your loved one dry off after using the bidet.
Recommended for you:
- 8 Useful Bathroom Aids for Seniors Make Everyday Tasks Easier
- When Seniors Need Help Using the Toilet: Safety Tips for Caregivers
- 3 Ways to Get the Home Medical Equipment That Seniors Need: Wheelchairs, Hospital Beds, and More
Guest contributor: Meghan Oliver is a writer and content manager with Many Bidets. Led by founder and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist Daniel Johnson, Many Bidets focuses on helping everyone – including older adults and individuals with disabilities – enjoy superior health, hygiene and dignity with the perfect bidet.
This article wasn’t sponsored and doesn’t contain affiliate links. For more information, see How We Make Money.
